A composite article includes a conductive layer on at least a portion of a flexible substrate, wherein the conductive layer has a conductive surface. A patterned layer of a low surface energy material is on a first region of the conductive surface. An overcoat layer free of conductive particulates is on a first portion of a second region of the conductive surface unoccupied by the patterned layer. A via is in a second portion of the second region of the conductive surface between an edge of the patterned layer of the low surface energy material and the overcoat layer. A conductive material is in the via to provide an electrical connection to the conductive surface.
|
1. A composite article, comprising:
a conductive layer on at least a portion of a flexible substrate, wherein the conductive layer comprises a conductive surface;
a patterned layer on a first region of the conductive surface, wherein the patterned layer comprises a low surface energy material;
an overcoat layer on a first portion of a second region of the conductive surface unoccupied by the patterned layer, wherein the overcoat layer is free of conductive particulates;
a via in a second portion of the second region of the conductive surface between an edge of the patterned layer of the low surface energy material and the overcoat layer, wherein the via is covered by the overcoat layer, and wherein the overcoat layer in the via has a thickness of no more than about 250 nm; and
a conductive material in the via, wherein the conductive material provides an electrical connection to the conductive surface.
5. A composite article, comprising:
a conductive layer on at least a portion of a flexible substrate, wherein the conductive layer comprises a conductive surface;
a patterned conductive layer on a first region of the conductive surface, wherein a second region of the conductive surface is uncovered by the patterned conductive layer;
a patterned low surface energy layer on a first portion of the patterned conductive layer, wherein a second portion of the patterned conductive layer is uncovered by the patterned low surface energy layer;
an overcoat layer on the second region of the conductive surface, wherein the overcoat layer is free of conductive particulates;
a via between the overcoat layer and the first portion of the patterned conductive layer, wherein the via overlies the second portion of the patterned conductive layer, wherein the via is covered by the overcoat layer, and wherein the overcoat layer in the via has a thickness of no more than about 250 nm; and
a conductive material in the via, wherein the conductive material provides an electrical connection to the patterned conductive layer and the conductive surface.
10. A method of forming a composite article, comprising:
coating a first patterned layer of a conductive material on a first region of a conductive surface on a conductive layer disposed on a flexible substrate, wherein a second region of the conductive surface is uncoated by the first patterned layer of the conductive material;
coating a second patterned layer of a low surface energy material on a first portion of the first patterned layer of the conductive material, wherein a second portion of the first patterned layer is uncoated by the second patterned layer;
coating a layer of a liquid overcoat composition onto the first and the second regions of the conductive surface, wherein the liquid overcoat composition has a surface energy greater than the surface energy of the low surface energy material in the second patterned layer;
de-wetting the liquid overcoat composition from the second patterned layer of the low surface energy material such that a first amount of the liquid overcoat composition withdraws from the second patterned layer and collects in the second region of the conductive surface, and wherein a second amount of the liquid overcoat composition less than the first amount remains in the second portion of the first patterned layer of the conductive material;
curing the liquid overcoat composition to form a discontinuous overcoat layer in the second region of the conductive surface, wherein the overcoat layer is separated from the second patterned layer by a via overlying the second portion of the first patterned layer, further wherein the via is covered by the overcoat layer in the second portion of the first patterned layer, and additionally wherein the overcoat layer in the via has a thickness of no more than about 250 nm; and
electrically contacting the second portion of the first patterned layer through the via.
8. A method of forming a composite article, comprising:
coating a patterned layer comprising a low surface energy material onto a first region of a conductive surface disposed on a flexible substrate, wherein a second region of the conductive surface remains uncovered by the patterned layer;
coating a layer of a liquid overcoat composition over the patterned layer of the low energy material and the second regions of the conductive surface, wherein the liquid overcoat composition has a surface energy different from the surface energy of the low surface energy material;
de-wetting the liquid overcoat composition from the patterned layer of the low surface energy material such that the liquid overcoat composition withdraws from the patterned layer of the low surface energy material and a first amount of the liquid overcoat composition collects in a first portion of the second region of the conductive surface, wherein the liquid overcoat composition recedes from an edge of the patterned layer of the low surface energy material such that a second residual amount of the liquid overcoat composition less than the first amount remains in a second portion of the second region of the conductive surface adjacent to the edge of the patterned layer of the low surface energy material;
curing the liquid overcoat composition to form a discontinuous overcoat layer in the first portion of the second region of the conductive surface and a via in the second portion of the second region of the conductive surface, wherein the via is adjacent to the edge of the patterned layer of the low surface energy material, further wherein the via is covered by the overcoat layer in the second portion of the second region of the conductive surface, and additionally wherein the overcoat layer in the via has a thickness of no more than about 250 nm; and
electrically contacting the conductive surface through the via.
4. The composite article according to
7. The composite article according to
9. The method according to
11. The method according to
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
This application is a national stage filing under 35 U.S.C. 371 of PCT/US2016/039024, filed Jun. 23, 2016, which claims the benefit of U.S. Application No. 62/187,192, filed Jun. 30, 2015, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference in its/their entirety herein.
Transparent conductors are utilized on touch screens to enable human touch or gesture interactions with computers, smart phones, and other graphics-based screen interfaces. Touch screen devices can be made by patterning (e.g., printing) a conductive material into electrical traces on a flexible substrate. Patterning of the conductive material can be performed in a roll-to-roll process where the substrate is unwound, converting operations such as printing and drying/curing are performed, and then the patterned substrate is wound again into a roll for further transport and processing. The patterned conductive layers can be connected to electronic circuit components such as, for example, flexible circuits, to form an electronic touch sensor that can be used as a component of an electronic device.
There are several approaches to patterning the conductive materials for use in electronic assemblies such as, for example, touch sensors.
In one example, the conductive material can be printed directly to form a pattern from a dispersion or ink, using standard printing processes such as, for example, ink-jet, gravure, flexographic, or screen printing. This direct printing technique produces a pattern in one step, with minimal waste. However, variations in the print thickness due to defects such as ribbing and pinholes may produce unacceptable variations in conductivity, as well as negatively impacting the optics of the sensor.
In another example, the surface of the substrate can be uniformly coated with the conductive material by forming a substantially continuous conductive layer. A resist material is then printed on the conductive layer using printing processes such as, for example, flexographic printing, gravure printing, ink jet printing, screen printing, spray coating, needle coating, photolithographic patterning, and offset printing. The patterned resist material allows selective removal of portions of the conductive layer to create a desired pattern (subtractive patterning). Selective removal is often accomplished either by wet chemical etching or laser ablation.
In some manufacturing processes, patterns of material may be deposited on the flexible substrate in layers through multiple deposition steps. Some articles require that the patterns be precisely registered on one or both sides of the substrate. To achieve accurate registration between the layers, lateral (cross web) positioning and longitudinal (down web) positioning must be maintained as the substrate moves through multiple manufacturing steps. Maintaining registration between layers formed on the substrate becomes more complex when the substrate is flexible or stretchable, and the patterns are made smaller and more intricately detailed. Various methods have been employed to improve the accuracy of these registration steps such as, for example, edge detection and the printing of fiducial marks.
In some fabrication processes, layers of conductive material are patterned, with each patterned layer separated by an insulating material. To make electrical connections to and between the conductive patterned layers in such a multi-layer construction without forming short-circuits, it can be important to create and maintain a reliable conductive path, generally referred to as a via, between the non-adjacent patterned conductive patterned layers. However, precise registration between adjacent layers to form vias in a multi-layer construction can be difficult, time-consuming and expensive.
To reliably manufacture electronic touch screen devices in a roll-to-roll process using printing processes such as, for example ink-jet, gravure, flexographic, or screen printing, reliable techniques for forming vias between non-adjacent conductive layers can reduce defects and lower product costs.
In general, the present disclosure relates to a self-forming via that can be easily created and reliably maintained during the application and registration of multiple printed conductive layers separated by insulating layers. In the method a patterned layer of a low surface energy material is formed in a first region of the conductive surface, with a second region remaining uncoated by the patterned layer. When a layer of a liquid overcoat composition is coated over the first and the second regions, the difference in the wettability of the first region relative to that of the second region destabilizes the layer of the liquid overcoat composition and causes the liquid overcoat composition to dewet from the low surface energy material and withdraw from the patterned layer. A first amount of the liquid overcoat composition recedes from the edges of the patterned layer and a collects in a first portion of the second region of the conductive surface. A second residual amount, which is smaller than the first amount, remains in a second portion of the second region of the conductive surface adjacent to the edges of the patterned. When the liquid overcoat composition is cured to form an overcoat layer, a via created in the second portion of the second region of the conductive surface can be utilized as an access point to form an electrical connection to the conductive surface. Using the via, an electrical connection can be formed with the conductive surface by various techniques such as, for example, applying a conductive paste in the via, or by directly bonding an electronic connection to the conductive surface in the via.
In some embodiments, the overcoat layer can act as a further substrate onto which another low surface energy pattern can be created and a further overcoat solution coated, or the overcoat layer can be removed as necessary. Third and subsequent patterned layers can be formed by repeating a similar surface wettability modification technique, but the via formed on the conductive surface by the initial low surface energy pattern remains in registration as the additional layers are added, and continues to provide a reliable path for electrical connection to the conductive surface.
In one aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a composite article including a conductive layer on at least a portion of a flexible substrate, wherein the conductive layer has a conductive surface. A patterned layer of a low surface energy material is on a first region of the conductive surface. An overcoat layer free of conductive particles is on a first portion of a second region of the conductive surface unoccupied by the patterned layer. A via is in a second portion of the second region of the conductive surface between an edge of the patterned layer of the low surface energy material and the overcoat layer, and a conductive material in the via provides an electrical connection to the conductive surface.
In another aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a composite article including a conductive layer on at least a portion of a flexible substrate, wherein the conductive layer has a conductive surface. A patterned conductive layer is on a first region of the conductive surface, wherein a second region of the conductive surface is uncovered by the patterned conductive layer. A patterned low surface energy layer is on a first portion of the patterned conductive layer, wherein a second portion of the patterned conductive layer is uncovered by the patterned low surface energy layer. An overcoat layer free of conductive particulates is on the second region of the conductive surface, and a via is between the overcoat layer and first portion of the patterned conductive layer, wherein the via overlies the second portion of the patterned conductive layer. A conductive material in the via provides an electrical connection to the patterned conductive layer and the conductive surface.
In another aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a method of forming a composite article, including: coating a patterned layer comprising a low surface energy material onto a first region of a conductive surface disposed on a flexible substrate, wherein a second region of the conductive surface remains uncovered by the patterned layer; coating a layer of a liquid overcoat composition over the patterned layer of the low energy material and the second regions of the conductive surface, wherein the liquid overcoat composition has a surface energy different from the surface energy of the low surface energy material; de-wetting the liquid overcoat composition from the patterned layer of the low surface energy material such that the liquid overcoat composition withdraws from the patterned layer of the low surface energy material and a first amount of the liquid overcoat composition collects in a first portion of the second region of the conductive surface, wherein the liquid overcoat composition recedes from an edge of the patterned layer of the low surface energy material such that a second residual amount of the liquid overcoat composition less than the first amount remains in a second portion of the second region of the conductive surface adjacent to the edge of the patterned layer of the low surface energy material; curing the liquid overcoat composition to form a discontinuous overcoat layer in the first portion of the second region of the conductive surface and a via in the second portion of the second region of the conductive surface, wherein the via is adjacent to the edge of the patterned layer of the low surface energy material; and electrically contacting the conductive surface through the via.
In yet another aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a method of forming a composite article, including: coating a first patterned layer of a conductive material on a first region of a conductive surface on a conductive layer disposed on a flexible substrate, wherein a second region of the conductive surface is uncoated by the first patterned layer of the conductive material; coating a second patterned layer of a low surface energy material on a first portion of the first patterned layer of the conductive material, wherein a second portion of the first patterned layer is uncoated by the second patterned layer; coating a layer of a liquid overcoat composition onto the first and the second regions of the conductive surface, wherein the liquid overcoat composition has a surface energy greater than the surface energy of the low surface energy material in the second patterned layer; de-wetting the liquid overcoat composition from the second patterned layer of the low surface energy material such that a first amount of the liquid overcoat composition withdraws from the second patterned layer and collects in the second region of the conductive surface, and wherein a second amount of the liquid overcoat composition less than the first amount remains in the second portion of the first patterned layer of the conductive material; curing the liquid overcoat composition to form a discontinuous overcoat layer in the second region of the conductive surface, wherein the overcoat layer is separated from the second patterned layer by a via overlying the second portion of the first patterned layer; and electrically contacting the second portion of the first patterned layer through the via.
The methods described in this disclosure can enable roll-to-roll continuous patterned coating, which has significant cost and productivity benefits over batch processes. As only desired areas on the conductive surface are coated with the overcoat solution, the presently described method can more cost-effectively use coating materials. In various embodiments, the techniques of the present disclosure can be used for low-cost manufacture of, for example, flexible displays, electronics, OLED's, PLEDs, touch-screens, fuel-cells, solid state lighting, photovoltaic and other complex opto-electronic devices.
In various embodiments, the present method provides a number of advantages over techniques in which the liquid overcoat composition is printed directly on the conductive surface, particularly in high-speed continuous roll-to-roll processes. For example, rotary printing processes (such as flexography, gravure, and rotary screen printing) transfer a liquid from one roll to the next, which is known as a film split. This film split can result in a ribbing defect, which produces non-uniformities in the coating. By applying the liquid overcoat composition as a continuous layer, instead of as a pattern, coating methods can be used that do not require a film split, such as die coating, notch bar coating, or reverse gravure coating. The technique of the present disclosure can also allow more precise control of the thickness of the liquid overcoat composition. More precise control of coating thickness can reduce non-uniformities produced by the ribbing defect and reduce the formation of pinholes in the overcoat layer, which provide unwanted access points to areas of the underlying conductive layer. Removing the necessity of printing the liquid overcoat layer can also increase the number of different materials available for use as overcoats, since the restrictions on the rheology of a printed material can be much greater than on a coated material.
The details of one or more embodiments of the invention are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, objects, and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.
Like symbols in the drawings indicate like elements.
The present disclosure describes processes for coating discrete areas of a flexible substrate in a continuous roll-to-roll manner. In general, the methods include creating a pattern of a low surface energy material in a first region of a conductive surface, which leaves relatively higher surface energy second regions of the conductive surface uncoated. When an overcoat solution is coated on the first and the second regions, the overcoat solution dewets and withdraws from the first region of the conductive surface, and recedes from the edges of the low surface energy pattern. A first amount of the overcoat solution collects in a first portion of the second region. A second residual amount of the overcoat solution, which is less than the first amount, remains in a second portion of the second region adjacent to the edges of the low surface energy pattern, and can provide a path to access the conductive surface.
Referring to an embodiment of the process illustrated schematically in
Optionally, a major surface 21 of the substrate 20 underlying the conductive layer 22 can be pre-treated to prepare the surface to better receive the subsequent deposition of the conductive layer. In some embodiments, the pre-treatment step can be carried out in conjunction with a patterning step to create patterned deposition of the conductive layer 22. For example, pre-treatments can include solvent or chemical washing, heating, deposition of an optional patterned intermediate layer, as well as further surface treatments such as plasma treatment, ultraviolet radiation (UV)-ozone treatment, or corona discharge.
The conductive layer 22 can be applied to the substrate 20 at a given thickness selected to achieve desired optical and electrical properties. This application can be performed using known coating methods, such as, for example, slot coating, roll coating, Mayer rod coating, dip coating, curtain coating, slide coating, knife coating, gravure coating, notch bar coating or spraying, yielding a conductive nanowire layer on the substrate. The conductive layer 22 can also be deposited non-continuously using a printing technique including, but not limited to, gravure, flexographic, screen, letterpress, ink-jet printing, and the like.
Suitable materials for the conductive layer 22 include, but are not limited to, layers of metals or metal alloys of Cu, Ag, Au and the like, indium tin oxide (ITO), or layers of conductive metal or non-metallic filaments, fibers, rods, strings, strands, whiskers, or ribbons in a suitable binder. Examples of non-metallic conductive materials for the conductive layer 22 include, but are not limited to, carbon nanotubes (CNTs), metal oxides (e.g., vanadium pentoxide), metalloids (e.g., silicon), conductive polymer fibers, and the like.
The conductive layer 22 is substantially continuous over at least a portion of the first major surface 21 of the flexible substrate 20, and desirably over at least 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, or 90% of the area of the first major surface 21. The conductive layer 22 may be coated continuously along the surface 21 of the flexible substrate 20, or may be applied in discrete blocks or rectangles, leaving uncoated substrate areas between them, with the blocks or rectangles having a size similar to the overall size of the intended touch sensor being produced. By “substantially continuous” it is meant the conductive layer 22 is applied at a sufficient density to render the surface 21 of the substrate 22 conductive, it being recognized that the surface 21 may include individual conductive areas with relatively non-conductive openings or spaces between them.
Referring again to
The coating composition used to form the pattern 24 typically includes at least one of the low surface energy materials listed above and optional additives such as a fluorinated or non-fluorinated surfactant, a crosslinker, an aqueous or organic solvent, and the like. In some example embodiments, the coating solution used to form the pattern 24 includes a low surface energy material such as a thermally or UV curable silicone “ink” and a crosslinker, or an acrylic resin and a fluorinated surfactant. In some embodiments, the coating composition used to form the pattern 24 may be combined with a conductive material such as, for example, metal particles or a silver paste ink, to make the pattern 24 of the low surface energy material itself be conductive and provide additional points of access to the conductive surface 23 of the conductive layer 22.
The coating composition used to form the pattern 24 may be coated on the conductive surface 22 by a wide variety of printing techniques such as, for example, flexographic printing, gravure coating, offset printing, screen printing, plasma deposition, photolithography, micro-contact printing, inkjet printing or selective removal of a uniform layer of the material by laser or other etching technique, optically writing with light or a laser, electrostatic spray or by plasma treatment.
In various embodiments, the patterned layer 24 of the low energy material has a dry thickness of about 100 nm to about 10 μm.
Referring to
The liquid overcoat composition 25 can include any material having a surface energy sufficiently greater than that of the low surface energy material in the pattern 24 to cause the liquid overcoat composition to dewet from the pattern 24 in a commercially useful amount of time. The speed at which the liquid overcoat composition 25 rearranges about the patterned layer 24 can impact the speed at which the predetermined areas of the conductive surface 23 can be coated in a roll-to-roll process. A discussion of the rates of recession of liquids from low surface energy materials can be found in, for example, Brouchard-Wyart and de Gennes, Advan. Colloid Interface Sci., 39 (1992), which is incorporated herein by reference.
If the liquid coating composition 25 is coated as a uniform layer, it is necessary to destabilize the layer so the liquid overcoat composition separates, flows off, and withdraws from the patterned layer 24 of the low surface energy material. While not wishing to be bound by any theory, presently available evidence indicates that if the liquid overcoat composition 25 is sufficiently dilute, or when it becomes sufficiently thin during subsequent drying steps, spontaneous dewetting from the pattern 24 to the regions 52 of the conductive surface 23 areas takes place, without the need for any active destabilization.
In some embodiments, the liquid overcoat composition 25 can include conductive particulates that can be used to form randomly arranged conductive pathways through the overcoat layer ultimately formed by curing from the liquid overcoat composition. In other embodiments, conductive or non-conductive particulates in the liquid overcoat composition 25 can be used to initiate or maintain destabilization of the liquid overcoat composition 25 so the liquid overcoat composition 25 can more easily separate, flow off and withdraw from the patterned layer 24 of the low surface energy material. In some embodiments, the liquid overcoat composition 25 is substantially free of particulate material, which in this application means that the liquid overcoat composition includes less than about 5% by weight of conductive or non-conductive particulates, or less than about 1% by weight of conductive or non-conductive particulates, or less than about 0.5% by weight of conductive or non-conductive particulates. In some embodiments, the liquid overcoat composition 25 is free of conductive or non-conductive particulates, which means that the liquid overcoat composition includes no particulate material.
Suitable liquid overcoat compositions include a polymer, and desirably an optically clear polymer. Examples of suitable polymeric materials include, but are not limited to: polyacrylics such as polymethacrylates, polyacrylates and polyacrylonitriles, polyvinyl alcohols, polyesters (e.g., polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyester naphthalate (PEN), and polycarbonates (PC)), polymers with a high degree of aromaticity such as phenolics or cresol-formaldehyde (Novolacs®), polystyrenes, polyvinyltoluene, polyvinylxylene, polyimides, polyamides, polyamideimides, polyetherimides, polysulfides, polysulfones, polyphenylenes, and polyphenyl ethers, polyurethane (PU), epoxy, polyolefins (e.g. polypropylene, polymethylpentene, and cyclic olefins), acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer (ABS), cellulosics, silicones and other silicon-containing polymers (e.g. polysilsesquioxanes and polysilanes), polyvinylchloride (PVC), polyacetates, polynorbomenes, synthetic rubbers (e.g. EPR, SBR, EPDM), and fluoropolymers (e.g., polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) or polyhexafluoropropylene), copolymers of fluoro-olefin and hydrocarbon olefin (e.g., Lumiflon®), and amorphous fluorocarbon polymers or copolymers (e.g., CYTOP® by Asahi Glass Co., or Teflon® AF by DuPont Corp.).
In other embodiments, the liquid overcoat composition 25 includes a prepolymer. A “prepolymer” refers to a mixture of monomers or a mixture of oligomers or partial polymers that can polymerize and/or crosslink to form the polymeric matrix, as described herein. It is within the knowledge of one skilled in the art to select, in view of a desirable polymeric matrix, a suitable monomer or partial polymer.
In some embodiments, the prepolymer is photo-curable, i.e., the prepolymer polymerizes and/or cross-links upon exposure to irradiation such as, for example ultraviolet (UV) radiation.
The liquid overcoat composition 25 may optionally include a solvent (e.g., during application). Any non-corrosive solvent that can effectively solvate or disperse the polymeric overcoat material can be used, and examples include water, an alcohol, a ketone, an ether, tetrahydrofuran, hydrocarbons (e.g. cyclohexane) or an aromatic solvent (benzene, toluene, xylene, etc.). The solvent can be volatile, having a boiling point of no more than 200° C., no more than 150° C., or no more than 100° C.
In some embodiments, the liquid overcoat composition 25 may include a cross-linker, a polymerization initiator, stabilizers (including, for example, antioxidants, and UV stabilizers for longer product lifetime and polymerization inhibitors for greater shelf-life), surfactants and the like. In some embodiments, the liquid overcoat composition 25 may further include a corrosion inhibitor. In some embodiments, the liquid overcoat composition 25 is conductive, and can include a conductive polymer such as, for example, polyanilines, polythiophenes, and polydiacetylenes.
In some embodiments, the liquid overcoat composition 25 can be cured or dried to form an optically clear material. A material is considered optically clear if the light transmission of the material is at least 80% in the visible region (400 nm-700 nm). Unless specified otherwise, all the layers (including the substrate) described herein are preferably optically clear. The optical clarity of the liquid overcoat composition 25 is typically determined by a multitude of factors, including without limitation: the refractive index (RI), thickness, smoothness, consistency of the RI throughout the thickness, surface (including interface) reflection, and scattering caused by surface roughness and/or embedded particles.
In some embodiments, the liquid overcoat composition 25 includes an ink such as those available under the trade designation FLEXOCURE FORCE from Flint Group, Plymouth, Minn., as well as transparent varnishes from Nazdar (OP series), SolarFlex or SunBar series from Sun Chemical, and acrylate resins from Sartomer.
Referring now to
In another embodiment shown in
Referring now to
Following curing, in the embodiment of
Referring to
In some embodiments, the conductive material 30 is a paste or adhesive matrix 32 having therein metal particles or scrim 34 of silver, gold, copper, aluminum and the like, and mixtures thereof. In other embodiments, the particles 34 are nonconductive particles (for example, polymers) having a conductive coating. In various embodiments, the matrix 32 is selected from an acrylate adhesive, an epoxy adhesive, a silicone adhesive, or a mixture or combination thereof. In one example, the conductive material 30 is a silver ink such as those available from PChem Associates, Bensalem, Pa., under the trade designation PFI-722.
The metal particles 34 provide conductivity through the thickness of the matrix 32. This conductivity enables electrical connection between the conductive layer 22 and a contact pad of an electronic component (not shown in
In another embodiment not shown in
In some embodiments, multiple layers can be overcoated simultaneously (not shown in
Referring to another embodiment of the process illustrated schematically in
Optionally, a major surface 121 of the substrate 120 underlying the conductive layer 122 can be pre-treated to prepare the surface to better receive the subsequent deposition of the conductive layer. In some embodiments, the pre-treatment step can be carried out in conjunction with a patterning step to create patterned deposition of the conductive layer 122. For example, pre-treatments can include solvent or chemical washing, heating, deposition of an optional patterned intermediate layer, as well as further surface treatments such as plasma treatment, ultraviolet radiation (UV)-ozone treatment, or corona discharge.
The conductive layer 122 can be applied to the substrate 120 at a given thickness selected to achieve desired optical and electrical properties. This application can be performed using known coating methods, such as, for example, slot coating, roll coating, Mayer rod coating, dip coating, curtain coating, slide coating, knife coating, gravure coating, notch bar coating or spraying, yielding a conductive nanowire layer on the substrate. The conductive layer 122 can also be deposited non-continuously using a printing technique including, but not limited to, gravure, flexographic, screen, letterpress, ink-jet printing, and the like.
Suitable materials for the conductive layer 122 include, but are not limited to, layers of metals or metal alloys of Cu, Ag, Au and the like, indium tin oxide (ITO), or layers of conductive metal or non-metallic filaments, fibers, rods, strings, strands, whiskers, or ribbons in a suitable binder. Examples of non-metallic conductive materials for the conductive layer 122 include, but are not limited to, carbon nanotubes (CNTs), metal oxides (e.g., vanadium pentoxide), metalloids (e.g., silicon), conductive polymer fibers, and the like.
The conductive layer 122 is substantially continuous over at least a portion of the first major surface 121 of the flexible substrate 120, and desirably over at least 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, or 90% of the area of the first major surface 121. The conductive layer 122 may be coated continuously along the surface 121 of the flexible substrate 120, or may be applied in discrete blocks or rectangles, leaving uncoated substrate areas between them, with the blocks or rectangles having a size similar to the overall size of the intended touch sensor being produced. By “substantially continuous” it is meant the conductive layer 122 is applied at a sufficient density to render the surface 121 of the substrate 122 conductive, it being recognized that the surface 121 may include individual conductive areas with relatively non-conductive openings or spaces between them.
Referring again to
The metal particles 134 provide conductivity through the thickness of the matrix 132, which enables electrical connection to the conductive layer 122.
Referring now to
As above, the term low surface energy material refers to any material (for example, an ink) that can induce dewetting of a subsequently applied overcoat composition in a desired area of the surface 123 of the conductive layer 122.
Suitable low surface energy materials for the pattern 124 can vary widely, and can include, but are not limited to plastics, rubbers and composite materials with a surface energy of less than about 100 mJ/m2, less than about 50 mJ/m2, less than about 30 mJ/m2, less than about 20 mJ/m2 or less than about 10 mJ/m2. Non-limiting examples of low surface energy materials include fluoropolymers such as polyhexafluoropropylene, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and the like, was well as polymeric resins such as poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVF), polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), poly(methylmethacrylate) (PMMA), polystyrene (PS), polyamides, poly(vinylchloride) (PVC), poly(vinylidene chloride), poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET), epoxies, phenol resins, styrene-butadiene rubber, acrylonitrile rubbers, and the like, thermally curable or ultraviolet (UV) curable silicones, and mixtures and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the low surface energy material included silicones such as those available from Dow Chemical, Midland, Mich., under the trade designation Syl-Off.
The coating composition used to form the pattern 124 typically includes at least one of the low surface energy materials listed above and optional additives such as a fluorinated or non-fluorinated surfactant, a crosslinker, an aqueous or organic solvent, and the like. In some example embodiments, the coating solution used to form the pattern 124 includes a low surface energy material such as a thermally or UV curable silicone “ink” and a crosslinker, or an acrylic resin and a fluorinated surfactant. In some embodiments, the coating composition used to form the pattern 124 may be combined with a conductive material such as, for example, metal particles or a silver paste ink, to make the pattern 124 of the low surface energy material itself be conductive.
The coating composition used to form the pattern 124 may be coated on the patterned layer 130 of electrically conductive material by a wide variety of printing techniques such as, for example, flexographic printing, gravure coating, offset printing, screen printing, plasma deposition, photolithography, micro-contact printing, inkjet printing or selective removal of a uniform layer of the material by laser or other etching technique, optically writing with light or a laser, electrostatic spray or by plasma treatment.
In various embodiments, the patterned layer 124 of the low energy material has a dry thickness of about 100 nm to about 10 μm.
Referring now to
In various embodiments, the liquid overcoat composition 125 is coated to a thickness of about 10 μm to about 15 μm. The liquid overcoat composition 125 may be applied to the conductive surface 123 using any suitable printing technique including, for example, flood coating, gravure coating, curtain coating, bead coating, offset printing, screen printing, inkjet printing, spraying, or by means of a blade, roller, or air knife.
The liquid overcoat composition 125 can include any material having a surface energy sufficiently greater than that of the low surface energy material in the pattern 124 to cause the liquid overcoat composition to dewet from the pattern 124 in a commercially useful amount of time. The speed at which the liquid overcoat composition 125 rearranges about the patterned layer 124 can impact the speed at which the predetermined areas of the conductive surface 123 can be coated in a roll-to-roll process. A discussion of the rates of recession of liquids from low surface energy materials can be found in, for example, Brouchard-Wyart and de Gennes, Advan. Colloid Interface Sci., 39 (1992), which is incorporated herein by reference.
If the liquid coating composition 125 is coated as a uniform layer, it is necessary to destabilize the layer so the liquid overcoat composition separates, flows off, and withdraws from the patterned layer 124 of the low surface energy material. If the liquid overcoat composition is sufficiently dilute, or when it becomes sufficiently thin during subsequent drying steps, spontaneous dewetting from the pattern 124 to the regions 152 of the conductive surface 123 areas takes place, without the need for any active destabilization.
In some embodiments, the liquid overcoat composition 125 can include conductive particulates that can be used to form randomly arranged conductive pathways through the overcoat layer ultimately formed by curing from the liquid overcoat composition. In other embodiments, conductive or non-conductive particulates in the liquid overcoat composition 125 can be used to initiate or maintain destabilization of the liquid overcoat composition 125 so the liquid overcoat composition 125 can more easily separate, flow off and withdraw from the patterned layer 124 of the low surface energy material and the patterned layer of electrically conductive material 130. In some embodiments, the liquid overcoat composition 125 is substantially free of particulate material, which in this application means that the liquid overcoat composition includes less than about 5% by weight of conductive or non-conductive particulates, or less than about 1% by weight of conductive or non-conductive particulates, or less than about 0.5% by weight of conductive or non-conductive particulates. In some embodiments, the liquid overcoat composition 125 is free of conductive or non-conductive particulates, which means that the liquid overcoat composition includes no particulate material.
Suitable liquid overcoat compositions include a polymer, and desirably an optically clear polymer. Examples of suitable polymeric materials include, but are not limited to: polyacrylics such as polymethacrylates, polyacrylates and polyacrylonitriles, polyvinyl alcohols, polyesters (e.g., polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyester naphthalate (PEN), and polycarbonates (PC)), polymers with a high degree of aromaticity such as phenolics or cresol-formaldehyde (Novolacs®), polystyrenes, polyvinyltoluene, polyvinylxylene, polyimides, polyamides, polyamideimides, polyetherimides, polysulfides, polysulfones, polyphenylenes, and polyphenyl ethers, polyurethane (PU), epoxy, polyolefins (e.g. polypropylene, polymethylpentene, and cyclic olefins), acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer (ABS), cellulosics, silicones and other silicon-containing polymers (e.g. polysilsesquioxanes and polysilanes), polyvinylchloride (PVC), polyacetates, polynorbomenes, synthetic rubbers (e.g. EPR, SBR, EPDM), and fluoropolymers (e.g., polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) or polyhexafluoropropylene), copolymers of fluoro-olefin and hydrocarbon olefin (e.g., Lumiflon®), and amorphous fluorocarbon polymers or copolymers (e.g., CYTOP® by Asahi Glass Co., or Teflon® AF by DuPont Corp.).
In other embodiments, the liquid overcoat composition 125 includes a prepolymer. A “prepolymer” refers to a mixture of monomers or a mixture of oligomers or partial polymers that can polymerize and/or crosslink to form the polymeric matrix, as described herein. It is within the knowledge of one skilled in the art to select, in view of a desirable polymeric matrix, a suitable monomer or partial polymer.
In some embodiments, the prepolymer is photo-curable, i.e., the prepolymer polymerizes and/or cross-links upon exposure to irradiation such as, for example ultraviolet (UV) radiation.
The liquid overcoat composition 125 may optionally include a solvent (e.g., during application). Any non-corrosive solvent that can effectively solvate or disperse the polymeric overcoat material can be used, and examples include water, an alcohol, a ketone, an ether, tetrahydrofuran, hydrocarbons (e.g. cyclohexane) or an aromatic solvent (benzene, toluene, xylene, etc.). The solvent can be volatile, having a boiling point of no more than 200° C., no more than 150° C., or no more than 100° C.
In some embodiments, the liquid overcoat composition 125 may include a cross-linker, a polymerization initiator, stabilizers (including, for example, antioxidants, and UV stabilizers for longer product lifetime and polymerization inhibitors for greater shelf-life), surfactants and the like. In some embodiments, the liquid overcoat composition 125 may further include a corrosion inhibitor. In some embodiments, the liquid overcoat composition 125 is conductive, and can include a conductive polymer such as, for example, polyanilines, polythiophenes, and polydiacetylenes.
In some embodiments, the liquid overcoat composition 125 can be cured or dried to form an optically clear material. A material is considered optically clear if the light transmission of the material is at least 80% in the visible region (400 nm-700 nm). Unless specified otherwise, all the layers (including the substrate) described herein are preferably optically clear. The optical clarity of the liquid overcoat composition 125 is typically determined by a multitude of factors, including without limitation: the refractive index (RI), thickness, smoothness, consistency of the RI throughout the thickness, surface (including interface) reflection, and scattering caused by surface roughness and/or embedded particles.
In some embodiments, the liquid overcoat composition 125 includes an ink such as those available under the trade designation FLEXOCURE FORCE from Flint Group, Plymouth, Minn.
Referring now to
The second residual amount of the liquid overcoat composition 125 overlying the second portion 153 of the patterned layer of electrically conductive material 130 is less than the first amount of the liquid overcoat composition 125 overlying the second region 152 of the conductive surface 123. In the embodiment shown in
In another embodiment not shown in
Referring now to
Following cure, the second portion 153 of the patterned layer 130 of electrically conductive material remains uncovered by the protective layer 125A. This zone having no residual amount of the protective layer 125A effectively forms an arrangement of vias or access channels 160 that extend from above the protective layer 125A to the conductive surface 123 of the conductive layer 122. In another embodiment not shown in
As in
In another embodiment not shown in
As above, using the process of
Referring to
The processes of this disclosure will now be further described in the following non-limiting examples.
A 50 Ohm/Sq. silver nanowire coating was prepared as described in Example 1 of WO2014088950 A1. This film was used as input to a roll-to-roll flexographic process, and a variety of patterns were printed onto the nanowire-coated side of the film, using a low surface-energy ink.
The first ink was composed of a mixture of 97.5% by weight Dow Syl-Off 7170 silicone and 2.5% by weight 7488 crosslinker. The Syl-Off silicone was printed at a speed of 5 meters/min using a 1.0 BCM/in2 anilox printing roll. The Syl-off silicone was thermally cured by running it through an oven heated to 120° C. for approximately 45-60 seconds.
A second UV-curable silicone ink was printed at a speed of 5 meters/min using the 1.0 BCM/in2 anilox printing roll. The UV curable silicone ink was passed through a Fusion UV Curing system equipped with an H-Bulb light source for curing.
The silicone-printed substrate was then over-coated with a mixture of 25% by weight Flint Group FC Force printing ink (Product Code: UFR0-0061-465U) in 75% by glycol ether PM, using a #5 Meyer rod, targeting an approximate 10-15 μm wet film coating (or roughly, a 2-4 μm dry-film coating).
The polymer-solvent coating was dried for 1 minute in an oven set to 80° C., and then cured using a Fusion UV System equipped with a H-bulb UV source.
Immediately upon coating the polymer-solvent mixture (i.e. less than about 1-5 seconds), it dewet from the low surface-energy silicone printed features, leaving openings to the underlying silver nanowire coating.
PChem PFI-722 silver nanoparticle ink was applied with a small brush on top of the patterned polymer layer and underlying (and exposed) silver nanowire layer to make contact between the PChem silver pad and the underlying nanowire layer. Contact between the Pchem ink and silver nanowire substrate was determined with a volt-meter (i.e. a Fluke meter used to measure electrical resistance).
A 50 Ohm/Sq. silver nanowire coating was prepared as described in Example 1 from WO2014088950 A1. A conductive silver interconnect pattern was then printed on top of the silver nanowire substrate with a desktop flexographic printing unit, using a 0.067 DPR flexographic stamp and a 10 bcm/in2 anilox roll. The conductive silver ink was purchased from InkTek (Product Designation: TEC-PR-010). The printed sample was dried and cured in an oven set 120° C. for 3-5 minutes, and then removed from the oven to cool.
A silicon ink (97.5% Syl-Off 7170 with 2.5% crosslinker) was then wiped onto the surface of the printed silver interconnect pads with a small Q-tip applicator, leaving a very thin coating. The sample was then placed in an oven set to 120° C. for 1-2 minutes to cure the silicone coating.
The substrate was then over-coated with a mixture of 25% by weight Flint Group FC Force printing ink (Product Code: UFR0-0061-465U) in 75% by glycol ether PM, using a #5 Meyer rod, so as to target an approximate 10-15 μm wet film coating (or roughly, a 2-4 μm dry-film coating).
The polymer-solvent coating was dried for 1 minute in an oven set to 80° C., and then cured using a Fusion UV System equipped with a H-bulb UV source.
Referring to
Electrical contact to the underlying silver nanowire was confirmed with a Fluke volt-meter, testing between opened interconnect pads.
A composite article, comprising:
a conductive layer on at least a portion of a flexible substrate, wherein the conductive layer comprises a conductive surface;
a patterned layer on a first region of the conductive surface, wherein the patterned layer comprises a low surface energy material;
an overcoat layer on a first portion of a second region of the conductive surface unoccupied by the patterned layer, wherein the overcoat layer is free of conductive particulates;
a via in a second portion of the second region of the conductive surface between an edge of the patterned layer of the low surface energy material and the overcoat layer; and
a conductive material in the via, wherein the conductive material provides an electrical connection to the conductive surface.
The composite article according to Embodiment 1, wherein the via is uncovered by the overcoat layer.
The composite article according to Embodiment 1, wherein the via is covered by the overcoat layer, and wherein the overcoat layer in the via has a thickness of no more than about 250 nm.
The composite article according to Embodiment 1, wherein the via is covered by the overcoat layer, and wherein the overcoat layer in the via has a thickness of no more than about 100 nm.
The composite article according to any of Embodiments 1 to 4, wherein the substrate is an optical element.
The composite article according to any of Embodiments 1 to 5, wherein the conductive material is selected from conductive adhesives, conductive pastes, and solder.
A composite article, comprising:
a conductive layer on at least a portion of a flexible substrate, wherein the conductive layer comprises a conductive surface;
a patterned conductive layer on a first region of the conductive surface, wherein a second region of the conductive surface is uncovered by the patterned conductive layer;
a patterned low surface energy layer on a first portion of the patterned conductive layer, wherein a second portion of the patterned conductive layer is uncovered by the patterned low surface energy layer;
an overcoat layer on the second region of the conductive surface, wherein the overcoat layer is free of conductive particulates;
a via between the overcoat layer and first portion of the patterned conductive layer, wherein the via overlies the second portion of the patterned conductive; and
a conductive material in the via, wherein the conductive material provides an electrical connection to the patterned conductive layer and the conductive surface.
The composite article according to Embodiment 7, wherein the via is uncovered by the overcoat layer.
The composite article according to Embodiment 7, wherein the via is covered by the overcoat layer, and wherein the overcoat layer in the via has a thickness of no more than about 250 nm.
The composite article according to Embodiment 7, wherein the via is covered by the overcoat layer, and wherein the overcoat layer in the via has a thickness of no more than about 100 nm.
The composite article according to any of Embodiments 7 to 10, wherein the substrate is an optical element.
The composite article according to any of Embodiments 7 to 11, wherein the conductive material is selected from conductive adhesives, conductive pastes, and solder.
A touch screen display comprising:
a liquid crystal display;
a composite article according to any of claims 1 to 12; and
a flexible transparent surface overlying the electronic assembly.
A method of forming a composite article, comprising:
coating a patterned layer comprising a low surface energy material onto a first region of a conductive surface disposed on a flexible substrate, wherein a second region of the conductive surface remains uncovered by the patterned layer;
coating a layer of a liquid overcoat composition over the patterned layer of the low energy material and the second regions of the conductive surface, wherein the liquid overcoat composition has a surface energy different from the surface energy of the low surface energy material;
de-wetting the liquid overcoat composition from the patterned layer of the low surface energy material such that the liquid overcoat composition withdraws from the patterned layer of the low surface energy material and a first amount of the liquid overcoat composition collects in a first portion of the second region of the conductive surface, wherein the liquid overcoat composition recedes from an edge of the patterned layer of the low surface energy material such that a second residual amount of the liquid overcoat composition less than the first amount remains in a second portion of the second region of the conductive surface adjacent to the edge of the patterned layer of the low surface energy material;
curing the liquid overcoat composition to form a discontinuous overcoat layer in the first portion of the second region of the conductive surface and a via in the second portion of the second region of the conductive surface, wherein the via is adjacent to the edge of the patterned layer of the low surface energy material; and
electrically contacting the conductive surface through the via.
The method according to Embodiment 14, wherein the via is uncovered by the overcoat layer.
The method according to Embodiment 14, wherein the via is covered by the overcoat layer, and wherein the overcoat layer in the via has a thickness of no more than about 250 nm.
The method according to Embodiment 14, wherein the via is covered by the overcoat layer, and wherein the overcoat layer in the via has a thickness of no more than about 100 nm.
The method according to Embodiment 14, wherein the overcoat layer is free of electrically conductive particulates.
The method according to any of Embodiments 14 to 18, wherein the substrate comprises a polymeric film.
The method according to any of Embodiments 14 to 19, wherein the substrate is an optical element.
The method according to Embodiment 20, wherein the optical element comprises a multilayer optical film.
The method according to any of Embodiments 14 to 21, wherein the low surface energy material comprises a silicone or an acrylic.
The method according to Embodiments 22, wherein the low surface energy material comprises a thermally cured silicone or an ultraviolet (UV) cured silicone.
The method according to Embodiment 22, wherein the low surface energy material comprises an acrylic and a fluorinated surfactant.
The method according to any of Embodiments 14 to 24, wherein the low surface energy material is patterned by at least one of flexographic printing, gravure printing, ink-jet printing, or screen printing.
The method according to any of Embodiments 14 to 25, wherein the low surface energy material is conductive.
The method according to any of Embodiments 14 to 26, wherein the electrically contacting the conductive layer in the via comprises applying a conductive material in the via, wherein the conductive material is selected from conductive adhesives, conductive pastes, solder, and combinations thereof.
The method according to any of Embodiments 14 to 27, wherein the protective overcoat composition comprises a UV-curable resin.
An electronic assembly made according to the method of any of Embodiments 14 to 28.
A method of forming a composite article, comprising:
coating a first patterned layer of a conductive material on a first region of a conductive surface on a conductive layer disposed on a flexible substrate, wherein a second region of the conductive surface is uncoated by the first patterned layer of the conductive material;
coating a second patterned layer of a low surface energy material on a first portion of the first patterned layer of the conductive material, wherein a second portion of the first patterned layer is uncoated by the second patterned layer;
coating a layer of a liquid overcoat composition onto the first and the second regions of the conductive surface, wherein the liquid overcoat composition has a surface energy greater than the surface energy of the low surface energy material in the second patterned layer;
de-wetting the liquid overcoat composition from the second patterned layer of the low surface energy material such that a first amount of the liquid overcoat composition withdraws from the second patterned layer and collects in the second region of the conductive surface, and wherein a second amount of the liquid overcoat composition less than the first amount remains in the second portion of the first patterned layer of the conductive material;
curing the liquid overcoat composition to form a discontinuous overcoat layer in the second region of the conductive surface, wherein the overcoat layer is separated from the second patterned layer by a via overlying the second portion of the first patterned layer; and
electrically contacting the second portion of the first patterned layer through the via.
The method according to Embodiment 30, wherein the via is uncovered by the overcoat layer.
The method according to Embodiment 30, wherein the via is covered by the overcoat layer, and wherein the overcoat layer in the via has a thickness of no more than about 250 nm.
The method according to Embodiment 30, wherein the via is covered by the overcoat layer, and wherein the overcoat layer in the via has a thickness of no more than about 100 nm.
The method according to Embodiment 30, wherein the overcoat layer is free of electrically conductive particulates.
The method according to any of Embodiments 30 to 34, wherein the substrate comprises a polymeric film.
The method according to any of Embodiments 30 to 35, wherein the substrate is an optical element.
The method according to Embodiment 36, wherein the optical element comprises a multilayer optical film.
The method according to any of Embodiments 30 to 37, wherein the low surface energy material comprises a silicone or an acrylic.
The method according to Embodiment 38, wherein the low surface energy material comprises a thermally cured silicone or an ultraviolet (UV) cured silicone.
The method according to Embodiment 38, wherein the low surface energy material comprises an acrylic and a fluorinated surfactant.
The method according to any of Embodiments 30 to 40, wherein the low surface energy material is patterned by at least one of flexographic printing, gravure printing, ink-jet printing, or screen printing.
The method according to any of Embodiments 30 to 41, wherein the low surface energy material is conductive.
The method according to any of Embodiments 30 to 42, wherein the electrically contacting the conductive layer in the via comprises applying a conductive material in the via, wherein the conductive material is selected from conductive adhesives, conductive pastes, solder, and combinations thereof.
The method according to any of Embodiments 30 to 43, wherein the protective overcoat composition comprises a UV-curable resin.
An electronic assembly made according to the method of any of Embodiments 30 to 44.
Various embodiments of the invention have been described. These and other embodiments are within the scope of the following claims.
Dodds, Shawn C., Gilman, Ann M., Smith, Matthew R. D., Stay, Matthew S., Pekurovsky, Mikhail L., Theis, Daniel J.
| Patent | Priority | Assignee | Title |
| 11284521, | Jun 30 2015 | 3M Innovative Properties Company | Electronic devices comprising a via and methods of forming such electronic devices |
| 11628467, | Jan 25 2019 | The Regents of the University of California | Selective coating of a structure |
| 11738366, | Jan 25 2019 | The Regents of the University of California | Method of coating an object |
| Patent | Priority | Assignee | Title |
| 4330604, | Aug 04 1980 | DAI NIPPON PRINTING CO , LTD | Fabrication of holograms on plastic substrates |
| 6975067, | Dec 19 2002 | 3M Innovative Properties Company | Organic electroluminescent device and encapsulation method |
| 20060057851, | |||
| 20070105396, | |||
| 20090077798, | |||
| 20100221909, | |||
| 20160026846, | |||
| EP2006930, | |||
| WO2009077684, | |||
| WO2014088950, |
| Executed on | Assignor | Assignee | Conveyance | Frame | Reel | Doc |
| Jun 23 2016 | 3M Innovative Properties Company | (assignment on the face of the patent) | / | |||
| Oct 30 2017 | PEKUROVSKY, MIKHAIL L | 3M Innovative Properties Company | ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS | 044639 | /0224 | |
| Oct 30 2017 | THEIS, DANIEL J | 3M Innovative Properties Company | ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS | 044639 | /0224 | |
| Nov 03 2017 | DODDS, SHAWN C | 3M Innovative Properties Company | ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS | 044639 | /0224 | |
| Nov 03 2017 | GILLMAN, ANN M | 3M Innovative Properties Company | ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS | 044639 | /0224 | |
| Nov 06 2017 | SMITH, MATTHEW R D | 3M Innovative Properties Company | ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS | 044639 | /0224 | |
| Jan 12 2018 | STAY, MATTHEW S | 3M Innovative Properties Company | ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS | 044639 | /0224 |
| Date | Maintenance Fee Events |
| Dec 06 2017 | BIG: Entity status set to Undiscounted (note the period is included in the code). |
| Apr 20 2023 | M1551: Payment of Maintenance Fee, 4th Year, Large Entity. |
| Date | Maintenance Schedule |
| Nov 26 2022 | 4 years fee payment window open |
| May 26 2023 | 6 months grace period start (w surcharge) |
| Nov 26 2023 | patent expiry (for year 4) |
| Nov 26 2025 | 2 years to revive unintentionally abandoned end. (for year 4) |
| Nov 26 2026 | 8 years fee payment window open |
| May 26 2027 | 6 months grace period start (w surcharge) |
| Nov 26 2027 | patent expiry (for year 8) |
| Nov 26 2029 | 2 years to revive unintentionally abandoned end. (for year 8) |
| Nov 26 2030 | 12 years fee payment window open |
| May 26 2031 | 6 months grace period start (w surcharge) |
| Nov 26 2031 | patent expiry (for year 12) |
| Nov 26 2033 | 2 years to revive unintentionally abandoned end. (for year 12) |